Deciding to purchase a C-Arm for your practice is easy enough, but choosing which one is appropriate for you can be a little more complicated. To simplify things, we’ve outlined the questions you should ask and ideas to keep in mind while you shop. Follow these guides, and you will be pleased with your purchase. Then, later on, you won’t have to ask yourself, WHY?
1. Size does matter: Knowing the size of the Image Intensifier you need is always a good first step. For example, 9” or 12” are two options available to you. Also know the size of your power generator and that it is strong enough for your procedures. A 15 kW generator will penetrate deeper than a 7.5 kW generator.
2. Room with a view? Make sure the room that you will be using for the procedure is sized correctly for the C-Arm system you select, with walls and ceiling clearance. Also make sure you have room to maneuver around it, to avoid bumps and bruises.
3. Round and Round: If the system you are looking for will be heavily used then you will need a rotating x-ray tube or anode tube. This also applies if you deal with a large (no pun intended) number of obesity cases in your practice.
4. Free space:Confirm there is the correct free space for the area between the Image Intensifier and the X-Ray Tube. You’ll need to be able to adjust it for the best possible image output.
5. Great image. Now what?Taking great images won’t mean anything unless you have the correct storage device for image capture, so make sure to add that in to your purchase. Printer, Medicapture or Dicom for PACS system are all great options available.
6. Software for your hardware: Depending on the procedures you perform, you’ll need specific software packages. For instance, if you are doing procedures that involve veins, you will need a vascular package. Also ask what version of the software the system has, so that you can establish how current the software is. The more up to date the software, the most current your usage and image quality will be.
7. Is that all?Make sure you know everything that is covered and included with the system you decide on, including set up service, training, and/or shipping and warranty coverage with a minimum 12-months for parts and labor as well as travel time.
8. What’s old is now new: If you’re shopping for a refurbished C-Arm, ask to get a full list of what parts were replaced, repaired, and the process the unit went through to be refurbished. Also ask if there are replacement CRT’s (Monitor Screens) or new batteries that accompany the unit.
That about covers it. See, not so bad. Follow this checklist, so you will you end up with the most optimal C-Arm for your practice, and most likely avoid the common pitfalls we’ve seen when people purchase imaging equipment. And if you have any questions we can help. So feel free to contact us at any time.
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay